Travel Guide Summary from Three Trips to Switzerland (Part 1)
Travel Guide Summary from Three Trips to Switzerland (Part 1)
As a European travel enthusiast, Switzerland is the only European country I have visited three times, and it was also the first country my husband and I visited on our European free travel journey. Although the cost of traveling in Switzerland is slightly higher than in other European countries, the travel experience in Switzerland is the safest, most comfortable, and most convenient among all European countries. It is also very suitable for family trips (with elderly and children). Each route will be shared in separate posts, so friends interested in traveling to Switzerland, please stay tuned.
First, let me introduce Switzerland. Switzerland is located in central Europe, bordering Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Italy, and France. The capital is Bern (yes, not Zurich or Geneva). Switzerland's natural scenery is beautiful, with rich tourism resources, and is known as the "World Park." German, French, Italian, and Romansh are all official languages of Switzerland. Therefore, when we travel to Switzerland, we often refer to the German-speaking region, the French-speaking region, and the Italian-speaking region. The level of English proficiency in Switzerland is very high, so communicating in English is not a problem at all.
How to get to Switzerland
✔ Flights from China to Switzerland generally land in Geneva or Zurich.
✔ Geneva is close to France and is the headquarters of the United Nations, making it convenient to explore travel destinations in the French-speaking region from Geneva.
✔ Zurich is the largest city and shopping destination in Switzerland and is also the starting point for most people's trips to Switzerland.
Let's first talk about the travel route in the French-speaking region. Generally, a three-day trip is recommended. It is suggested to stay in Montreux or Vevey for the entire trip without changing hotels and then visit various small towns.
✔ Montreux: A city along Lake Geneva, one hour by train from Geneva and three hours by train from Zurich. The most famous attraction here is the Chateau de Chillon. There is a path by the Chateau de Chillon that you can walk along the lakeshore to the center of Montreux, which is a very nice walking trail. The Montreux Jazz Festival is held every July.
✔ Vevey: A city along Lake Geneva, only five minutes by train from Montreux (half an hour by bus). The eight-meter-high fork standing in the lake in front of the Alimentarium is the symbol of Vevey. From late May to mid-June each year, the hills from Vevey to Montreux are covered with wild daffodils, which is very spectacular.
✔ Lavaux: The most beautiful section of Lake Geneva, with 18 kilometers of terraced vineyards planted along the steep slopes by the lakeshore (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site like Bordeaux in France). The main production area of Swiss white wine "Chasselas." It is about ten minutes by train from Vevey.
✔ Morges: A city along Lake Geneva, located between Geneva and Lausanne, and the late residence of Audrey Hepburn. Across the lake is the French town of Evian.
In addition to these beautiful small towns, the French-speaking region has a hidden benefit, which is the use of the Swiss Travel Pass to visit the French towns across the lake for free. More details will be shared in a separate post later.